Mobile device for recovery and on site storage of used cooking oil

ABSTRACT

A mobile machine for recovery and on site storage of used cooking oil with reservoir, detachable pump, oil reservoir, wand, wand filter, casters hoses, fittings, withdrawal port, and oil level determination means.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/308,423 filed Jun. 18, 2014 entitled MOBILE DEVICE FOR RECOVERY ANDON SITE STORAGE OF USED COOKING OIL, of which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patentdisclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patentfile or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of resource recycling andmore specifically to a mobile device for recovery and on site storage ofused cooking oil. There are numerous business establishments, in examplerestaurants, hospitals, assisted living facilities, schools, nursinghomes, which must provide preparation and serving of food. Suchinstitutions invariably make use of deep fat fryers to satisfy thedemands of their customers for particular types of food.

Deep fat fryers utilize cooking oil which is heated in vats ranging insize from a few cups to hundreds of gallons. Such fryers are veryeffective but their usage does give occasion to serious inconveniences.In example, the cooking oil quality in the fryers must be constantlymonitored and when it is no longer usable, must be removed, replaced,and disposed of. Typically, when a fryer is to be emptied, the cookingoil must be allowed to cool down from its maximum temperature, usuallyapproximately 350° F., to a temperature that would not be harmful to oneperforming the removal task. In the case of larger fryers, this coolingcan take up to twelve hours, during which time the fryer is out ofservice. Most fryers comprise means to remove spent cooking oil such asdrains or pumps which pump cooking oil out of the vats through conduitsand into a vessel. Said vessel is then carried to a storage bin,generally located outside the building housing the facility, anddeposited therein. The process typically requires actions on the part ofthe employee performing the cooking oil removal and transfer to storagebin task which expose him to possible and very probable contact with thecooking oil. In example, the cooking oil may splash, the cooking oildraining out of a fryer may fall on the employee, the employee mayaccidentally misdirect a stream of cooking oil pumped out of a fryerthrough a hose so that it falls on himself or someone else. Further, theexternal location of the storage bin requires the employee to exit thebuilding which he will invariably take advantage of to loiter.

Then, once the cooking oil is removed from the fryer vat, any residue ofcooking oil and/or organic remnants remaining in the bottom of said vatmust be removed. If the vat is not sufficiently cleaned of such dregs,the new replacement cooking oil may be contaminated resulting in poorfood quality and reduced life span of the cooking oil. Such residue willalso cause uneven heating of the cooking oil and resultant impropercooking.

The whole process, accomplished with extant technology, tends to be verymessy and facets of it such as cleaning out residue can be difficult.Also, the external storage bins tend to be very unsanitary and unsightlyas cooking oil deposited therein tends to be spilt.

Now that modern technological advances have rendered used cooking oil avaluable commodity as a base for fuel for internal combustion engines,sale of used cooking oil can be of significant financial benefit to fatfryer operators. It is therefore to their advantage to store usedcooking oil and efficiently transfer the cooking oil to a buyer whogenerally transfers the cooking oil to a tank truck.

The instant art provides a means to safely remove cooking oil from afryer without having to wait for the cooking oil to cool, provides ameans of storage which is movable from the collection point at the fryerto an out of the way place within a building and is movable outside thebuilding to a disposal tank truck. This removal of the storage devicecan be performed by the driver of the truck so that employees are freefor other tasks.

The instant art also provides means to store and readily accessimplements to remove dregs from the vat, such implements as vacuumcleaner, cleansing pads, power polishers, brushes, gloves, etc.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The primary object of the invention is to increase employee safety.

Another object of the invention is to provide used cooking oil disposal.

Another object of the invention is to provide used cooking oil sanitarystorage.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cooking oil collectionand storage device that is movable within a work space.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a cooking oilcollection and storage device that is customizable to fit in anyparticular space within a work environment.

Another object of the invention is to provide means to clean residue outof fryers eliminating black carbon deposits and/or boil outs.

Another object of the invention is to eliminate need for used cookingoil bins outside premises.

A further object of the invention is to eliminate the need for employeesto exit premises to transport used cooking oil to an outside storagebin.

Yet another object of the invention is reduce time employees must dealwith used cooking oil thusly freeing them for other tasks and increasingefficiency.

Still yet another object of the invention is to improve food quality byimproving cooking oil quality.

Another object of the invention is to extend life of fryer by properlymaintaining fryer so that it heats evenly.

Another object of the invention is to accrue ecological benefits.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device configurable tofit in out-of-the-way spaces when not in use.

Yet another object of the invention is to eliminate the need to allowcooking oil to cool before removal thusly increasing fryer up time.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a path from cookingoil uptake point to cooking oil storage point that is as unimpeded aspossible by devices, in example valves, that may be adversely affectedby cooking oil buildup and which may increase energy necessary totransfer cooking oil through said path.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device that need notcomprise integral means to remove cooking oil from its storage element.

Still yet another object of the invention is to eliminate any handlingof or transfer of cooking oil after it is removed from the fryer untilit is picked up by a buyer.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, anembodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there isdisclosed a mobile machine for recovery and on site storage of usedcooking oil comprising: reservoir, detachable pump, cooking oilreservoir, intake wand, intake wand filter, casters, hoses, fittings,withdrawal port, and cooking oil level determination means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects ofthe invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate anunderstanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an element of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a side view of an element of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an element of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a side view of an element of the invention in operativedisposition.

FIG. 3B is front view of an element of the invention.

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of an element of the invention

FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of elements of the invention withparticular elements shown in cross section.

FIG. 5 is a side cross sectional view of the elements shown in FIG. 4 inoperative configuration.

FIG. 6 is a side cross sectional view of elements of the invention inoperative disposition.

FIG. 6A is a side cross sectional view of elements of the invention inoperative disposition.

FIG. 7 is a side cross sectional view of elements of the invention.

FIG. 7A is a side cross sectional view of elements of the invention.

FIG. 7B is a top view of elements of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of elements of the invention with associateddevice shown in cross section.

FIG. 8A is a side cross sectional view of associated element.

FIG. 8B is a side view of elements of the invention with associateddevice shown in cross section.

FIG. 9 is a front view of elements of the invention.

FIG. 9A is a back view of elements of the invention.

FIG. 9B is a top view of elements of the invention.

FIG. 9C is a side view of elements of the invention

FIG. 10 is an exploded top view of elements of the invention.

FIG. 10A is an exploded front view of elements of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of elements seen in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11A is a front view of elements shown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 12 is an exploded side view of elements of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of elements of the elements of the inventionshown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 13A is a top view of elements of the invention.

FIG. 13B is a front view of elements of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of elements of the invention.

FIG. 14A is a side view of elements of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the elements of the invention shown in FIG.14.

FIG. 16 is a side cross sectional view of elements of the invention.

FIG. 16A is a side cross sectional view of elements of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of elements of the invention.

LIST OF COMPONENTS

-   100 Cooking of recovery and storage device-   101 Cooking oil-   102 Cooking oil tank-   103 Cooking oil tank top-   104 Pump housing-   105 Pump housing handle-   106 Pump-   108 Pump inlet conduit-   109 Cooking oil tank side-   110 Cooking oil extraction conduit-   111 Cooking oil tank floor-   112 Pump outlet conduit-   114 Cooking oil tank fill conduit-   116 Cooking oil tank fill port-   118 Intake wand-   119 Intake wand flange-   120 Intake wand handle-   122 Intake wand inlet-   123 Intake wand inlet cooking oil filter port-   124 Intake wand inlet cooking oil filter-   125 Intake wand inlet cooking oil filter sieve portion-   126 Wand holster-   127 Intake wand inlet cooking oil filter stay-   128 Cooking oil level determination means-   129 Stay clip-   130 Dip stick-   131 Dip stick graduations-   132 Caster-   134 Fixed Caster-   136 Movable caster-   138 Caster locking means-   140 Cooking oil withdrawal port-   142 Cooking oil withdrawal port cap-   144 Cooking oil inlet filter port-   145 Aperture-   146 Cooking oil inlet filter port cap-   147 Cooking oil inlet filter port walls-   148 Cooking oil port filter-   149 Cooking oil port filter sieve portion-   150 Cooking oil port filter frame-   152 Cooking oil port filter panel-   154 Cooking oil port filter flange-   156 Fitting-   158 Conduit bracket-   160 Pump assembly bracket-   162 Tank hook-   164 Device push/pull handle-   166 Pump inlet-   168 Pump outlet-   170 Accessory tray-   172 Glove-   174 Brush-   176 Vacuum-   178 Vacuum hose-   180 Vacuum hose attachment-   182 Power polisher-   184 Cleaning pads-   185 Cleaning compound-   186 Intake wand angle-   190 Cooking oil port filter wall-   192 Cooking oil port filter floor-   194 Cooking oil port filter aperture-   196 Pump outlet end-   198 Pump inlet end-   200 Fryer-   202 Fryer vats-   204 Residue-   210 Collection vessel-   212 Fryer extraction hose-   214 Cooking oil port filter port frame-   216 Cooking oil port filter panel-   218 Cooking oil port filter brackets-   220 Cooking oil port filter frame slot-   222 Cross member-   224 Upright member-   226 Strips-   228 Filter aperture-   230 Cooking oil port filter frame corner-   232 Cooking oil port filter frame side-   234 Cooking oil port filter frame end-   236 Cooking oil port filter frame bottom-   238 Cooking oil port filter frame top-   240 Filter bottom panel-   242 Filter side panel-   244 Filter end panel-   246 Filter panel sieve portion-   248 Tank evacuation conduit-   249 Tank evacuation conduit intake-   250 Baffles-   252 Tank maintenance access port-   254 Tank evacuation cannula-   256 Cannula intake

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein.It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for theclaims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the artto employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailedsystem, structure or manner.

It is well known in myriad arts that devices such as pumps and powertools require power cords, comprise on/off switches, and provide meansto fix in inoperative orientation said power cords. The functions andmanners of usage of such devices is also well known. Therefore theemployment of same will not be described in detail unless necessary toteach the instant art. Also well-known are sundry types of fittingsand/or couplings which removably attach one conduit to another and/orremovably attach a conduit to a fixture, especially an inlet or exitport to any type of manifold or vessel. Such devices will not bedescribed in detail unless necessary to teach the instant art.

FIG. 1 shows a mobile device for recovery and on site storage of usedcooking oil (100) comprising a cooking oil tank (102) having a top(103), sides (109), and a floor (111). Disposed on the top (103) are acooking oil filter inlet port (144) having walls (147) extending fromthe top (103) and a removable and replaceable cooking oil filter inletport cap (146). The top (103) also comprises a cooking oil withdrawalport (140) having a removable and replaceable cooking oil withdrawalport cap (142). In addition, the top (103) also has a means to determinethe cooking oil level (128) in the tank (102), in example a dip stick(130). Also located on the top is a cooking oil tank fill port (116).

Attached to a cooking oil tank side (109) is a pump housing (104) havinga cooking oil tank fill hose (114) which extends to the cooking oil tankfill port (116) and is removably connected thereto by a fitting (156).Also extending from the pump housing (104) is a cooking oil extractionconduit (110) which is removably connected to an intake wand (118) by afitting (156) and a handle (105). The intake wand (118) has a handle(120) and is removably held in convenient, inoperative position by awand holster (126). The intake wand (118) has an inlet (122) which maycomprise an intake wand inlet cooking oil filter (124). The device (100)may have conduit brackets (158) to hold the cooking oil extractionconduit (110) in inoperative position.

Extending from a cooking oil tank side (109) is an accessory tray (170).

FIG. 17 shows that the accessory tray (170) may house in accessibledisposition such items as a vacuum (176) having an attachment (180) anda hose (178), brushes (174), an eye protection device (171), gloves(172), a powered polisher (182), cleansing pads (184), and cleanser(185), all of whose purposes will be recited presently.

Extending from the tank floor (111) are casters located at optimalpositions to allow movement of the device (100) by applying force to adevice push/pull handle (164) which extends from cooking oil tank sides(109). The casters (132) may have locking means (138) to preventunwanted movement of the device (100). The casters (132) may be fixedtype (134) as shown in FIG. 2 or a movable or swivelable type (136) asshown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 7 shows that the pump housing (104) comprises a pump (106) of anytype suitable to move cooking oil (101), though a gear pump ispreferred, which may be removably fixed in said housing (104) by anysuitable, known means. From the pump (106), extends a pump inletremovably attached by fitting (156) to a pump inlet conduit (108) whichextends through the pump housing (104) where it is removably joined byfixture (156) to a cooking oil extraction conduit (110) removably joinedto the intake wand (118). Also seen is that a pump outlet (168) extendsfrom the pump (106) and is removably fixed by fitting (156) to a pumpoutlet conduit (112) which extends through the pump housing (104) whereit is removably connected by fitting (156) to a cooking oil tank fillhose (114) which is removably fixed to the cooking oil tank fill port(116) by fitting (156).

FIG. 1, FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7B show that the intake wand (118) maycomprise the intake wand inlet cooking oil filter (124) having a sieveportion (125) attached proximal the intake wand inlet (122) with theintake wand (118) extending into the interior of the intake wand inletcooking oil filter (124) through the intake wand inlet cooking oilfilter port (123). Said intake wand inlet cooking oil filter (124) maybe attached to the intake wand (118) by any suitable known means. Inexample, FIG. 7B depicts the intake wand (118) comprising asubstantially planar intake wand flange (119) extending from the intakewand (118) so that when the intake wand is extended into the intake wandinlet cooking oil filter (124) through the intake wand inlet cooking oilfilter port (123), the intake wand flange will communicate with theintake wand inlet cooking oil filter (124) thusly arresting theinsertion of the intake wand (118) and positioning the intake wand inlet(122) within the interior of the intake wand inlet cooking oil filter(124). In addition, the intake wand inlet cooking oil filter (124) mayhave intake wand inlet cooking oil filter stays (127) positioned onopposite sides of the intake wand (118) inserted into the intake wandinlet cooking oil filter (124). Stay clips are positioned on the intakewand inlet cooking oil filter (124) so that when the intake wand inletcooking oil filter stays are pivoted, said stays (127) will pass overthe intake wand flanges and engage the stay clips (129). The stay clips(129) will hold the intake wand inlet oil filter stays (127) fast thusfixing the intake wand flange (119) between said stays (127) and theintake wand inlet cooking oil filter (124) and attaching the filter(124) to the intake wand (124) in operative disposition. The intake wandinlet cooking oil filter stays are pivotable in opposite directions, asindicated by double headed arrows, and the stay clips (129) arereleasable. Therefore, the intake wand inlet cooking oil filter (124)may be attached, removed from, and/or reattached to the intake wand(118).

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that when the pump (106)is engaged, cooking oil may be taken up through the intake wand inlet(122), after being drawn through the intake wand inlet filter sieveportion (125) and transferred through the intake wand (118), the cookingoil extraction conduit (112), the pump inlet conduit (108), the pumpinlet (166), pump (106), pump outlet (168), pump outlet conduit (112),cooking oil tank fill conduit (114), and cooking oil tank fill port(116) and into the cooking oil tank (102) as seen in FIG. 16 wherecooking oil (101) is shown entering the cooking oil tank (102) afterpassing through the cooking oil tank fill port (116). Also appreciatedwill be that the conduits (110, 108, 112, 114) may be flexible and maycomprise food grade hoses.

FIG. 17 shows that the accessory tray (170) may conveniently and/orreadily accessibly house various items to facilitate cooking oilrecovery and/or fryer cleaning subsequent to cooking oil removal andprior to new cooking oil addition. In example, seen are eye protectiondevice (171), brushes (174), gloves (172), vacuum (176), vacuum hose(178), vacuum hose attachment (180), power polisher (182), cleaning pads(184), cleaning compound (185). Also, we will understand that any otheritems deemed necessary by one skilled in the art may be disposed in saidaccessory tray (170).

FIG. 3, FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C show that the cooking oil portfilter (148) comprises cooking oil port filter walls (190), a cookingoil port filter floor (192), and a cooking oil port filter aperture(194) oriented opposite the floor (192). Said elements comprise anessentially prismatic configuration and cooking oil port filter flanges(154) extend from cooking oil port filter walls (190) proximal thecooking oil port filter aperture (192). Also noted is that portions ofthe cooking oil port filter walls (190) and portions of the cooking oilport filter floor (192) comprise cooking oil port filter sieve portions(149).

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of that portion of the tank (102) and tanktop (103) comprising the cooking oil tank inlet filter port (144), thecooking oil inlet port filter (147), and the cooking oil inlet portfilter cap (146). Noted is that the cooking oil inlet filter portcomprises walls (147) extending upward from the tank (102) and it willbe understood that said walls (147) define an aperture (145). Also seenis that the cooking oil port filter (148) is dimensioned to extend withminimum clearance necessary into the cooking oil port filter port (144)through its aperture (145). Also seen is a cooking oil inlet filter portcap (146) dimensioned to communicate with the cooking oil port filter(148) to occlude the cooking oil port filter aperture (145).

FIG. 5 shows that the cooking oil port filter (148) extends into thetank (102) through the cooking oil inlet filter port (144) whereupon thecooking oil port filter flanges (154) will rest upon cooking oil inletfilter port walls (147) thusly arresting progress of the cooking oilport filter (148) into the cooking oil inlet filter port (144) thuslyfixing the cooking oil port filter (148) in operative position.Additionally shown is that the cooking oil inlet filter port cap (146)will rest with minimum clearance upon the cooking oil port filterflanges (154) and the cooking oil port filter walls (190).

In consideration of FIG. 1, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, employment of the device(100) in an embodiment may be described. The device (100) is moved fromits place of stowage, after disengaging the caster locks (132), to aposition proximal a cooking oil fryer (200) having cooking oil vats(202) so that the length of the cooking oil extraction conduit (110)allows functional use of the intake wand (118). The caster locks (132)may then be re-engaged if deemed necessary for convenience and/orsafety. The intake wand (118) is then removed from the wand holster(126) and the cooking oil extraction conduit (110) is disengaged asnecessary from brackets (158) whereupon the intake wand (118) ispositioned, by usage of the handle (120) if needed, into the fryer vat(202) below the level of cooking oil (101). The pump (106) is thenengaged and cooking oil (101) is drawn into the intake wand (118)through intake wand inlet (122). The cooking oil (101) then passesthrough the intake wand (118) into and through the cooking oilextraction conduit (110), into and through the pump inlet conduit (108),into and through the pump inlet (166), into and through the pump (106)into and through the pump outlet (168), into and through the pump outletconduit (112), into and through the cooking oil tank fill conduit (114),into and through the cooking oil tank fill port (116), and into the tank(102) as is seen in FIG. 20.

As previously shown, a cooking oil filtration device may be disposedbetween the cooking oil (101) in fryer vat (202) and the cooking oil(101) in the tank (102) so that potentially deleterious particulatematter is removed from cooking oil (101) and thusly prevented fromentering the tank (102), in example between the cooking oil (101) andthe intake wand inlet (122) as seen if FIG. 1, FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7B.

In the above-described exploitation of the device (100), after allpossible cooking oil (101) has been removed from the fryer vat (202),there will remain a residue (204) in the bottom of said vat (202)primarily comprising charred organic matter that flaked off food itemspreviously prepared in the fryer vat (202), as seen in FIG. 8A. Saidresidue (204) should be removed prior to recharging the fryer vat (202)with fresh cooking oil to prevent any number of undesirable effects wellknown in the art. To do so, implements in the accessory tray (170) maybe used in manners known by one skilled in the art to remove saidresidue (204) and leave the fryer vat (202) in essentially pristinecondition. Though particular items are depicted in FIG. 17, saiddepiction is not intended to limit the contents of said accessory tray(170). Other items deemed useful by one skilled in the art may comprisesaid accessory tray (170) contents.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 8B show a fryer (200) having a vat (202) comprisingcooking oil (101). The intake wand is introduced into the vat (202) sothat the intake wand inlet (122) is below the surface of the cooking oil(101) whereupon the cooking oil (101) is withdrawn as previouslydescribed. It will be understood that the intake wand (118) may bemanually manipulated to place it in optimal operative orientation bygrasping the handle (120). Also, the intake wand (118) may comprise aconfiguration to facilitate said positioning of the intake wand (118) inoperative disposition, in example, but not limited to, the intake wandangle (186) seen in FIG. 8B.

After cooking oil (101) is removed from the fryer (200), the pump (106)is disengaged, the intake wand may be returned to the wand holster, thecooking oil tank fill conduit (114) may be secured in storableorientation with the conduit brackets (158), the caster locks (138) maybe disengaged, and the device (100) moved to its stowed location wherethe caster locks (138) may be re-engaged.

Known in the art are fat fryers (200) which have integral used cookingoil (101) removal means. There are those with drains which when opened,will allow used cooking oil to flow out by means of gravity into acollection vessel (210). There are those comprising pumps which willremove the used cooking oil from the fryer (200) and into conduits, inexample, a fryer extraction hose (212) which will transfer the cookingoil (101) to a collection vessel. In such instances, the instant artneed not comprise its own cooking oil removal means such as thepreviously recited embodiment comprising intake wand, pump, andappurtenant conduits.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 6A, the cooking oil inletfilter port cap (146) may be removed allowing cooking oil (101) to beintroduced into the cooking oil port filter (148). Said introduction maybe accomplished by pouring cooking oil (101) out of the vessel (210)into which it was previously drained or pumped and into said cooking oilport filter (148) as in FIG. 6. Said introduction may also be affectedby directing the output from the fryer extraction hose (212)communicating with the aforementioned removal pump integral to the fryer(200) into the cooking oil port filter (148) as shown in FIG. 6A.

It will be readily appreciated that once cooking oil (101) is depositedin the cooking oil port filter (148) said cooking oil will pass throughthe filter (148), in example by gravity, as in FIG. 6 and FIG. 6A, andinto the cooking oil tank (102) where it is stored.

As previously recited, the cooking oil port filter (148) is removablefrom the cooking oil inlet filter port. This may be accomplished bygrasping or hooking a finger or fingers under the cooking oil portfilter flanges (154) and lifting out the cooking oil port filter (148).This allows for cleaning said filter (148) after usage whereupon it maybe replaced by means of the same flanges (154).

FIG. 14A and FIG. 15 show that by means of fitting (156), the cookingoil tank fill conduit (114) may be disengaged from the pump outletconduit (112). Also seen is that the tank (102) may comprise tank hooks(162) and that the pump housing (104) may comprise pump housing brackets(160). Additionally noted is that the pump housing brackets (160) andthe tank hooks (162) are configured to communicate so that the pumphousing (104) and the tank (102) may be removably attached. Therefore,one skilled in the art will understand that the pump housing (104)comprising the pump (106) may be removed from the tank (102) allowingthe instant art (100) to be exploited in an embodiment not having apump. Likewise, by reversing the above procedures, the pump housing(104) comprising a pump (105) and the cooking oil tank fill conduit(114) may be reattached to the tank (102) in operative disposition.

Further shown by FIGS. 14A and 15 is that for convenience and/or ease ofmanipulation, the cooking oil extraction conduit (110) may be disengagedfrom the pump inlet conduit (108) so that the pump housing (104) and thecooking oil extraction conduit (110) and communicating elements may behandled separately. Additionally understood is that the manipulation ofthe pump housing (104) may be facilitated by use of the handle (105).

FIG. 14 shows that the pump inlet (166) may extend from the pump (106)to a pump inlet end (196) disposed outside the pump housing (104) whereit may communicate with fitting (156) therefore the pump inlet conduit(108) may be eliminated. Also shown is that the pump outlet (168) mayextend from the pump (106) to a pump outlet end (198) disposed outsidethe pump housing (104) where it may communicate with fitting (156)therefore the pump outlet conduit (112) may be eliminated.

FIG. 16 shows that the instant art (100) may comprise a tank evacuationcannula (254) having a cannula intake (256) extending from the cookingoil withdrawal port (140) toward the cooking oil tank floor (111) adistance sufficient to allow extraction of maximum quantity of cookingoil through said intake (256). Also noted is that a tank evacuationconduit (248) may be removably attached to the cooking oil withdrawalport (140) and/or the tank evacuation cannula (254) by fitting (156).Also seen is that the cannula intake (256) may comprise a configurationto facilitate optimum cooking oil (101) intake, in example, the obliquedisposition of said cannula intake (256) to the tank floor (111).

FIG. 16A shows that the cooking oil withdrawal port (140) may allowinsertion therethrough of the tank evacuation conduit (248) having anintake (249) to a distance sufficiently proximal the tank floor (111) toallow withdrawal of the maximum volume of cooking oil (101). Also seenis that the tank evacuation conduit intake (249) may comprise aconfiguration to facilitate optimum cooking oil (101) intake, in examplethe oblique disposition of said tank evacuation conduit intake (249) tothe tank floor (111).

FIG. 16 shows that the clip stick (130) may comprise graduations (131)to facilitate cooking oil (101) level and/or volume within the tank(102).

FIG. 16 shows that baffles (250) may be disposed, in example extendingfrom the tank top (103) as shown in FIG. 16), proximal the cooking oilport filter (148) to prevent contact with said filter (148) by cookingoil (101) in the tank (102) that may be agitated and/or caused tocomprise waves by movement of the tank (102).

Now, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the tankevacuation conduit (248) may communicate with a means to affect passageof cooking oil (101) therethrough, in example a pump, and may furthercommunicate with a storage and/or transfer means, in example a tanktruck, said devices not integral to or permanently contiguous with anyinstitution comprising fat fryers. Therefore, the instant device (100)need not have means of withdrawing cooking oil from the tank (102).

FIG. 16A shows that the tank (102) may comprise a tank accessmaintenance port (252) to allow cleaning of the tank interior ormaintenance or replacement of items located within said tank.

FIG. 9, FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, and FIG. 9C show an essentially prismaticcooking oil port filter frame (214) having substantially planar strips(226) which comprise cross members (222) and essentially upright members(224) which communicate at corners (230). The cooking oil port filterframe (214) comprises ends (234) having filter apertures (228), sides(232) having filter apertures (228), a bottom (236) having a filteraperture (228). Opposite the cooking oil port filter frame bottom (236)is a cooking oil port filter frame top (238) having an aperture (239).Also seen are cooking oil port filter frame brackets (218) extendingessentially normal to the strips (226) and having elements essentiallyparallel to said strips (226). Also seen is that a cooking oil portfilter frame end (238) comprises a slot (220).

FIG. 10 shows a filter bottom panel (240) having a sieve portion (246).Now it will be understood that the filter bottom panel (240) may beinserted through the cooking oil port filter frame slot (220) to theextent that it abuts the cross member (222) comprising the strip (226)as shown in FIG. 11. Also noted is that the filter panel sieve portion(246) is essentially equal in area to filter aperture (228) and occludessaid aperture (228).

FIG. 10A shows a filter end panel (244) having a sieve portion (246).Also seen is the cooking oil port filter frame end (234) with the filterbottom panel (240) inserted to maximum extent through cooking oil portfilter frame slot (220).

FIG. 11 shows that the filter end panel (244) may be inserted throughcooking oil port filter frame brackets (218) where it abuts the filterbottom panel (240). Also noted is that the filter panel sieve portion(246) is essentially equal in area to filter aperture (228) and occludessaid aperture (228).

FIG. 12 shows a filter side panel (242) having a sieve portion (246) anda cooking oil port filter frame side (232) having brackets (218) and afilter aperture (228).

FIG. 13 shows that the filter side panel (242) may be inserted throughbrackets (218) and that the area of the sieve portion (246) and the areaof the aperture 228) are substantially equal and that said sieve portion(246) occludes the aperture (228).

FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B show the filter bottom panel (240) insertedthrough the cooking oil port filter frame slot (220) to maximum extentas previously described. Also shown are the filter side panels (242)inserted through brackets (218) and thusly fixed essentially against thecooking oil port filter frame sides (232). Additionally shown are thefilter end panels (244) inserted through brackets (218) and thusly fixedessentially against the cooking oil port filter frame ends (234).

FIG. 13 and FIG. 1313 also show the cooking oil port filter flanges(154) as previously described.

Now, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the cooking oilport filter frame (214) as previously recited in combination with thefilter bottom panel (240), the filter side panels (242), and the filterend panels (244) may function after the fashion of the previously taughtcooking oil port filter (148).

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims

Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of thepresent invention of a new and useful MOBILE DEVICE FOR RECOVERY AND ONSITE STORAGE OF USED COOKING OIL, it is not intended that suchreferences be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile device employable for recovery and onsite storage of used cooking oil comprising: a tank that is transferablefrom one location to another, said tank having: an oil inlet, an oillevel determination means, an oil extraction port, an oil inlet filterport, and an oil inlet port filter, a pump comprising a housing; anintake wand having an inlet; communication means between the intake wandand the pump; and communication means between the pump and the oilinlet.
 2. A device as in claim 1 having a pump housing removably affixedto the tank, or alternatively or concurrently, having interruptiblecommunication means between the wand and the pump and, alternatively orconcurrently, having interruptible communication means between the pumpand the oil inlet.
 3. A device as in claim 1 having a communicationmeans between the intake wand and the pump, said communication meanscomprising a conduit removably attached to said wand and removablyattached to said pump or alternatively or concurrently a conduit havingsegments removably attached to the wand, to the pump, and to oneanother.
 4. A device as in claim 1 having communication means betweenthe pump and the oil inlet, said communication means comprising aconduit removably attached to said oil inlet and removably attached tosaid pump or alternatively or concurrently, a conduit having segmentsremovably attached to the oil inlet, the pump, and one another.
 5. Adevice as in claim 1 having an oil inlet filter port in communicationwith the oil inlet port filter having a removable oil inlet filter portcap that can occlude the oil port filter aperture or alternatively orconcurrently the oil inlet filter port aperture.
 6. A device as in claim1 having an oil inlet port comprising a removable cap, or alternativelyor concurrently, an oil extraction port comprising a removable cap.
 7. Adevice as in claim 1 transferable from one location to another by meansof casters, swivelable or non-swivelable or alternatively orconcurrently lockable against movement or not lockable against movement,and a handle communicating with said device.
 8. A device as in claim 1having an oil inlet port filter, removably insertable into the oil inletfilter port aperture, said oil inlet port filter and said oil inletfilter port occludable by a removable cap.
 9. A device as in claim 1having filter means disposed in communication with the intake wandinlet, or alternatively or concurrently, disposed between the intakewand inlet and the tank cooking oil inlet.
 10. A mobile device forrecovery and on site storage of used cooking oil comprising; a tank thatis transferable from one location to another, said tank having: an oillevel determination means, an oil extraction port, an oil inlet filterport, and an oil inlet port filter.
 11. A device as in claim 10transferable from one location to another by means of casters,swivelable or non-swivelable, or alternatively or concurrently, lockableagainst movement, and a handle communicating with said device.
 12. Adevice as in claim 10 having an oil inlet port filter removableinsertable into the oil inlet filter port, said oil inlet port filterand said oil inlet filter port occludable by a removable cap.
 13. Amobile device employable for recovery and on site storage of usedcooking oil comprising: a tank that is transferable from one location toanother by means of casters, swivelable or non-swivelable, oralternatively or concurrently, lockable against movement, and a handlecommunicating with said device; said tank comprising an oil inlet, anoil level determination means, an oil extraction port, an oil inletfilter port, and an oil inlet port filter, said oil inlet filter port incommunication with the oil inlet port filter having a removable oilinlet port cap occluding the oil port filter, or alternatively orconcurrently, the oil inlet filter port, an intake wand having an inlet:said intake wand having a handle; a pump comprising a housing, said pumphousing removably affixed to the tank, said pump having interruptiblecommunication means between the intake wand and the pump, andalternatively or concurrently, having interruptible communication meansbetween the pump and the oil inlet.
 14. A device as in claim 13 having acommunication means between the intake wand and the pump comprising aconduit removably attached to said wand and removably attached to saidpump, or alternatively or concurrently, a conduit having segmentsremovably attached to the intake wand, to the pump, and to one another.15. A device as in claim 13 having communication means between the pumpand the oil inlet comprising a conduit removably attached to said oilinlet and removably attached to said pump, or alternatively orconcurrently, a conduit having segments removably attached to the oilinlet, the pump, and each other.
 16. A device as in claim 1 having anoil inlet port comprising a removable cap, or alternatively orconcurrently, an oil extraction port comprising a removable cap.
 17. Adevice as in claim 13 having filter means disposed in communication withthe intake wand inlet or alternatively or concurrently disposed betweenthe intake wand inlet and the tank oil inlet.